System for producing energy through the action of waves

ABSTRACT

A system and method for generating energy from tuning the natural frequency of masses relative to a ground plane and an external force. In some embodiments the external force is the action of the waves. The system has a first mass movable relative to the ground plane, wherein the external force induces an oscillation in the first mass relative to the ground plane. A second movable mass is carried by and movable relative to the first movable mass. The second movable mass creates kinetic energy as the result of varying the position of the second movable mass relative to the first mass. The system adjusts or tunes the frequency of various components in relation to the natural frequency of the waves. The energy created by the relative motion can be converted to various forms of energy including electrical energy.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No.12/850,371 filed on Aug. 4, 2010, which is a continuation-in-part ofU.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/316,772 filed on Dec. 15, 2008 (nowU.S. Pat. No. 8,701,403), which is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patentapplication Ser. No. 12/079,591 filed on Mar. 27, 2008 (now U.S. Pat.No. 7,755,224), which is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patentapplication Ser. No. 11/593,895 filed on Nov. 7, 2006 which claims thebenefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application 60/734,203, filed Nov. 7,2005, which are incorporated herein by reference.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention is a system and method for producing electricity.More particularly, it is a system and method for producing electricitythrough the action of waves on platforms.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

There are numerous approaches to producing electricity from thehydraulic force of the localized movement of water in large bodies ofwater. Water moving as a result of tides, winds, or gravity, forexample, has been used as a hydraulic force to move some turbine, door,or other part of a larger apparatus anchored to land. This approach isexpensive, not very efficient, and prone to breaking down both becauseof the difficulty in anchoring the apparatus to land and because theocean is corrosive and small sand particles in the ocean cause excessivewear.

The power density of wind and water, two abundant natural resources, isvery low. It is not until wind is blowing in excess of 100 MPH that itwill, blow a standing person over, and if a person is floating in evenlarge ocean waves the force of the waves flows by you because water is alow-density liquid. One can feel the energy of the wave, but the forceis minimal as compared to standing in the road and being hit by a bustraveling at the same speed as the wind or water. Force equals thedensity of an object multiplied by the speed that it is traveling, sovery low-density substances like wind and water do not make very goodenergy resources because the scale of energy projects for wind and waterhave to be extremely large and expensive and can also have extensiveenvironmental impact on our planet, such as large hydro projects.

The solution to creating bountiful, renewable, non-carbon producing,cheap energy for our planet is to figure out a way to generate highpower density energy like that of a coal fired or nuclear power plantusing low-density wind and/or water, the most plentiful resources on ourplanet.

Unfortunately, prior attempts to produce electrical power from waveshave failed to appreciate the various degrees of freedom involved andtherefore have been inefficient. Furthermore, some systems have beenunstable with components diverging even, in relatively calm sea states.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention is a system and method for producing electricitythrough the action of waves and tuning masses relative to a groundplane. A floating platform, a hull, and other components form a firstmass that is movable relative to the ground plane. The external force,the oscillation of the waves, induces an oscillation in the first massrelative to the ground plane. A second movable mass is carried by andmovable relative to the hull. The second movable mass creates kineticenergy as the result of varying the position of the second movable massrelative to the hull. A mechanism converts the kinetic energy of thesecond mass moving relative to the first mass into electricity in anembodiment. The system tones the second mass relative to the hull byvarious components to increase energy generated.

In an embodiment, a system for generating energy from a pendulumincludes a base having a mounting point and a curved surface. Thependulum has a connection point and curved surface spaced from theconnection point. The connection point of the pendulum is pivotablymounted to the mounting point of the base. The system has an energyextraction, system having a pair of complementary energy extractiondevices including a magnetic field device and a coil device wherein themovement of the magnetic field device relative to the coil, devicecreates a flow of current in the coil device. The magnetic field deviceis carried by one of the curved surfaces. The coil device is carried bythe other of the curved surfaces.

In an embodiment, the base is movable relative to the waves in a body ofwater, wherein the water in the waves exerts hydraulic forces on thebase. The pendulum is tunable for tuning a natural frequency of thependulum relative to a wave natural frequency of the wave to increasethe energy generated and control the energy generated.

In an embodiment, the base has a floating platform having a portion thatdisplaces a portion of the body of water. The base and a plurality ofcomponents form, a first, movable mass; the pendulum carries a secondmovable mass. The second movable mass and the first movable mass haveweight; the Archimedes' Principle allows the increase in the weight ofthe second movable mass by increased displacement therein increasing thepower density and energy.

In an embodiment, the base and a plurality of components form a firstmass; the pendulum carries a second mass. The first mass has a firstnatural frequency that is tunable relative to the wave natural frequencyof the wave. The second mass has the pendulum natural frequency, asecond natural frequency, that is tunable relative to the first natural,frequency and the wave natural frequency. The system also has an activetuning system for adjusting the tuning of at least one of the masses asthe masses move relative to each other and the body of the water.

In an embodiment the magnetic field device is carried by the pendulum.The coil device is carried by the curved surface of the base. The coildevice has a plurality of coils that are separate and distinct andcapable of having a flow current created.

In an embodiment, the curved surface of the base is at least one trackhaving one of the complementary energy extraction devices. The pendulumhas a mounting device that engages the track. The mounting device has acurved surface wherein the mounting device has the other of thecomplementary energy extraction devices.

In an embodiment, the curved surface of the base has at least a pair oftracks having one of the complementary energy extraction devices. In anembodiment, the curved surface of the base is a portion of the sphere.The pendulum is connected to the connection point such that the pendulummay rotate out of plane. In an embodiment, the pendulum is capable ofrotating 360 degrees. In an embodiment, the connection point of thependulum is a magnetic bearing.

In an embodiment, a system for generating energy from a platform tunedrelative to waves in a body of water uses the hydraulic force of thewaves in a body of water. The system includes a platform having a curvedsurface. A pendulum of the system has a connection point carried by theplatform and an end point. The pendulum has a tunable mass movablerelative to the platform. The end point and the tunable mass are capableof moving along a curved path defining a curved surface. The system hasan energy extraction system having a pair of complementary energyextraction devices including a magnetic field device and a coil device.The movement of the magnetic field device relative to the coil devicecreates a flow of current in the coil device. The magnetic field deviceis carried by one of the curved surfaces. The coil device is carried bythe other of the curved surfaces.

In an embodiment, the curved surface of the platform includes at leastone rail carrying one of the complementary energy extraction devices.The end point of the pendulum has at least one guide moving along the atleast one rail. The at least one guide carries the other of thecomplementary energy extraction devices.

In an embodiment, the platform includes a hull and a counter balancemass. The counterbalance mass is adjustable in position relative to thehull.

In an embodiment, the platform and a plurality of components form afirst movable mass; the pendulum carries a second movable mass. Thefirst movable mass has a first natural frequency that is tunablerelative to a wave natural frequency of the wave. The second movablemass has a second natural frequency that is tunable relative to thefirst natural frequency and the wave natural frequency. The system hasan active tuning system for adjusting the timing of at least one of themasses as the masses move relative to each other and the body of thewater.

In an embodiment, the floating platform has a portion that displaces aportion of the body of water. The second movable mass and the firstmovable mass have weight. The Archimedes' principle allows the increasein the weight of the second movable mass by increased displacementtherein increasing the power density and energy.

In an embodiment, the active tuning system, includes a plurality ofballast tanks in the platform. A mechanism moves ballast between thetanks for adjusting the tuning of the first movable mass as the massesmove relative to each other and the body of the water.

In a method for generating energy from the movement of a pendulum, themethod includes a pendulum having a connection point carried by a base.The pendulum is tuned by moving a tunable mass movable relative to thebase. The system extracts energy from the movement of the pendulumrelative to the platform wherein there is a pair of complementary energyextraction devices including a magnetic field device and a coil device.The movement of the magnetic field device relative to the coil devicecreates a flow of current in the coil device.

In an embodiment, a system for generating energy from a device tunedrelative to waves in a body of water uses the hydraulic force of thewaves in a body of water. The device is movable relative to the waves.The water in the waves exerts hydraulic forces on the device. Amechanism tunes a natural frequency of the device relative to a wavenatural frequency of the wave to increase energy generated.

In an embodiment, a mechanism converts the kinetic energy of the deviceinto another form of energy. In an embodiment, the waves exert forcedirectly on the device. In an embodiment, the device is a floatingplatform having at least one tunable device.

In an embodiment, the at least one tunable device includes acounterbalance mass located below the floating platform and adjustablein position related to the floating platform.

In an embodiment, the platform and a plurality of components form afirst movable mass. The system includes a pendulum carrying a secondmovable mass. The first movable mass has a first natural frequency thatis tunable relative to a wave natural frequency of the wave. The secondmovable mass that has a second natural frequency is tunable relative tothe first natural frequency and the wave natural frequency. An activetiming system adjusts the tuning of at least one of the masses as themasses move relative to each other and the body of the water.

In an embodiment, the waves indirectly exert force on the device. In anembodiment, the device is a mass pivotably mounted to a floatingplatform.

These aspects of the invention are not meant to be exclusive and otherfeatures, aspects, and advantages of the present invention will bereadily apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art when, read inconjunction with the following description, appended claims, andaccompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

These and other features and advantages of the present invention will bebetter understood by reading the following detailed description ofembodiments, taken together with the drawings wherein:

FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of a floating platform;

FIGS. 2A and 2B are schematic diagrams of the reverse incline planesproduced by a wave;

FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram of a ship incorporating one of the inclineplanes produced by a wave as shown in FIG. 2;

FIGS. 4A and 4B are schematic diagrams of a moving mass on the inclineplane of the ship shown in FIG. 3;

FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram of a rolling cylinder on the incline planeof the ship shown in FIG. 3;

FIG. 6A is a diagram of a mass comprised of two substantiallycylindrical masses;

FIGS. 6B-6D are various views of the unit having the masses;

FIG. 7 is a schematic diagram of a rolling wheeled vehicle on theincline plane of the ship shown in FIG. 3;

FIG. 8 is a schematic diagram of a moving liquid on the incline plane ofthe ship shown in FIG. 3;

FIG. 9 is a schematic diagram of an electromagnetically suspended masson the incline plane of the ship shown in FIG. 3;

FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram of an alternative embodiment of thefloating platform;

FIGS. 11A and 11B is a schematic diagram of the floating platform ofFIG. 10 on a wave;

FIG. 12 is a schematic diagram of the floating platform of FIG. 10 withvarious elements tuned;

FIG. 13 is a graph of the natural frequencies of various elements of thesystem and the power output for one experimental run of the system;

FIG. 14 is an isometric view of the track with the unit having therolling masses;

FIG. 15 is a perspective view of an alternative floating platform;

FIG. 16 is a front sectional view of the floating platform of FIG. 15;

FIG. 17 is a side sectional view of the floating platform of FIG. 15;

FIGS. 18A and 18B are schematic side and front views, respectively, ofthe floating platform showing tuning of the masses;

FIG. 19A is a schematic side view of the floating platform showingbraking for tuning of the masses;

FIGS. 19B-19B are schematics side views of the floating platform aftertiming of a swinging mass with a braking mechanism;

FIG. 20 is a front sectional view of an alternative floating platform;

FIG. 21 is a side sectional view of the floating platform of FIG. 20;

FIG. 22 is a perspective view of an alternative floating platform;

FIG. 23A is a side sectional view of the floating platform of FIG. 22;

FIG. 23B is an enlarged view of taken along the area 23B in FIG. 23A

FIG. 24 is a front sectional view of the floating platform of FIG. 22;

FIG. 25 is a top view of the floating platform of FIG. 22;

FIG. 26 is a graphical representation of an energy profile;

FIG. 27 is a perspective view of a broken out section of the alternativefloating platform with an active ballast system;

FIG. 28 is a schematic of a control system;

FIG. 29 is a side sectional view of an alternative floating platform;

FIG. 30 is a top view of the floating platform of FIG. 29;

FIG. 31 is a side sectional view of an alternative floating platform;

FIG. 32 is a top view of the floating platform of FIG. 31; and

FIG. 33 is a sectional view of an alternative embodiment.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

Two-thirds of the earth's surface is covered with water. Three-fourthsof the earth's population lives within close proximity to an ocean orother large body of water. All of these people need electricity.

The wind blowing on the surface of an ocean or other large body of water(hereinafter, collectively, the “Ocean”) efficiently converts windenergy into wave energy. The present invention is a system forconverting the energy of waves on the Ocean into low-cost, efficient,reliable, clean electricity.

A system and method of generating energy by transforming energy from alow-density substance, such as water, into kinetic energy by tuning theoscillating motion of the two sets of masses. The energy to drive thetunable system is from the oscillating motion of the waves.

Referring to FIG. 1, a system 20 having a floating platform 22 on a bodyof water 18 without waves, a track 24, and a mass 26, a rolling energygenerating mass, is shown. The floating platform 22 has a hull 28including a top surface 30, a bottom surface 32, a leading edge 34, anda trailing edge 36. The hull has a buoyancy compartment 38 and an energygenerating portion 40. The track 24 and the mass 26 are located in theenergy generating portion 40 as explained in greater detail below.

Wave energy can be converted into useful mechanical energy through thehydraulic force of the water in a wave causing a floating platform 22 toact as a series of incline planes. Referring to FIGS. 2A and 2B, thefloating platform 22 is shown in two positions relative to a crest 44 ofa wave 46. For simplification, the floating platform 22 is shown withthe entire platform 22 above the water 18. It is realized that theplatform 22 would be partially under the water because of buoyancy anddisplacement of water as explained below with respect to FIG. 10.

Still referring to FIG. 2A, the floating platform 22 is shown with thetop surface 30, the bottom surface 32, the leading edge 34, and thetrailing edge 36. As the crest 44 of a wave 46 reaches the leading edge34 of the platform 22, the hydraulic force of the water raises theleading edge 34 relative to the trailing edge 36 creatine an inclineplane. As the crest 44 of the wave 46 passes under the platform 22, thehydraulic force of the water no longer raises the leading edge 34, whichnow falls into a trough 48 of the wave 46, relative to the trailing edge36.

Referring to FIG. 2B, the leading edge 34 has fallen into the trough 48relative to the trailing, edge 36 of the floating platform 22. Thehydraulic force of the water now raises the trailing edge 36 relative tothe leading edge 34 creating another incline plane. For purposes of thisdescription, an incline plane first with its leading edge higher thanits trailing edge and then with its leading edge lower than its trailingedge, will be described as the reverse of each other. Thus, the actionof the moving waves causes a series of incline planes, any given inclineplane being the reverse of both the incline plane that precedes it andthe incline plane that follows it.

It should be noted that the floating platform 22 with a bottom 32 thatis flat both in the direction of the motion of the waves and transverseto the motion of the waves, as opposed to rounded or v-shaped, is a moreefficient incline plane. It should also be noted that the length of theincline plane formed by a floating platform from the leading edge 34(bow) to the trailing edge 36 (stern) can be increased. One method is byraising the energy generating portion 40, which is shown as the topsurface 30 of the platform 22 relative to the bottom surface 32 of theplatform 22 with an angled hull, as would customarily be the case of thedeck of a ship 22 relative to its hull 28, as shown in FIG. 3.

The energy of a series of moving waves is converted into mechanicalenergy through the movement of a mass down a series of reverse inclineplanes formed by the hydraulic force of the water in the waves on aship's hull. As is discussed below, the mass may be solid or liquid andmay take any one of a number of forms known to those skilled in the art.Referring to FIG. 4A, when the crest 44 of a wave raises the bow 52 of aship 54 relative to the stern 56 (the trailing edge 36), it creates anincline plane 58 of the track 24. The force of gravity then causes themass 26 to move down the incline plane 58 from the bow 52 to the stern56. As the crest 44 of the wave 46 passes under the ship 54, the bow 52of the ship 54 sinks relative to the stern 56 into the trough 48 of thewave 46 creating a reverse incline plane as shown in FIG. 4B. The forceof gravity now causes the mass 26 to move down the reverse incline plane58 of the track 24 from the stern 56 to the bow 52. It should be notedthat a ship embodying these principles may be positioned transverse tothe direction of the wave motion causing a mass to move down reversingincline planes from one side of the ship to the other.

The greater the mass 26 moving down the incline planes, the greater themechanical energy created. It should be noted that this source of energyis renewable because the waves 46 continuously create reverse inclineplanes, causing the mass 26 to repeat continuously its motion from thebow to the stern and back to the bow.

The energy of the mass moving down the series of reverse incline planesis converted, by known means into electrical energy using a generator.One ft. lb. of force per second equals 1,356 watts of electricity; so,the amount of force required to move 1.0 lb a distance of 1.0 ft. in 1.0second is equal to 1.356 watts of electricity. As an example, 100,000ft. lb. of force per second created by a mass moving down an inclineplane equals 135,600 watts of electricity. Preferred embodiments ofmeans for converting the mechanical energy of the moving waves toelectrical energy are described below, but other means known to thoseskilled in the art are available.

Referring to FIG. 5, a cylinder 60 of a suitable, preferably dense solidmaterial or a hollow cylinder filled with a suitable, preferably denseliquid is the mass 26 shown. The cylinder 60 rolls down the track 24formed of rails 62 on the deck 64 of the ship 54. The rails 62 of thetrack 24 form the incline plane 58 from the bow 52 to the stern 56 ofthe ship 54. The rails 62 of the track 24 minimize friction by reducingthe surface area rather than the cylinder 60 rolling on the largersurface of the deck which forms the incline plane 58, therein causingthe cylinder 60 to roll taster, thereby creating more mechanical energy.Sprockets and chains or similar means (not shown) can be used to preventthe cylinder 60 from sliding down, the track 24 rather than rolling.

Still referring to FIG. 5, a belt drive 68 is fastened around thecircumference of the cylinder 60 and attached to a shaft 70 of anelectric generator 72. As the cylinder 60 rolls down the track 24, itturns the shaft 70 of the generator 72, producing electricity. Therevolutions per minute of the cylinder 60 can be controlled by varyingthe diameter of the cylinder 60 and the shaft 70 of the generator 72, orby using gears and other means known to those skilled in the art.

As also shown on FIG. 5, when the cylinder 60 reaches the end of theincline plane 54, if it is still rolling, any residual mechanical energycan be temporarily stored by having the cylinder 60 roll up a radius 76of the track 24 until it stops. When the incline plane 54 reverses, themass 26 initially travels down the radius 76, releasing storedmechanical energy prior to rolling down the reverse incline plane.Alternatively, if the mass 26 is still rolling at the end of the inclineplane 54, electricity can be generated through the use of a brakingdevice (not shown), known to those skilled in the art, that co-generateselectricity as it stops the mass 26.

Referring to FIG. 6A, the mass 26 is formed of a unit 80 having twosubstantially cylindrical masses 82 and 84 connected by a frame 86. Abelt drive 88 is connected to a sprocket 90 on an extension of one ofthe cylindrical masses 82 and a sprocket 92 on a shaft 94 of anelectrical, generator 96. As the cylindrical masses 82 and 84 roll, downthe reverse track 24, such as in FIG. 5, the mass 82 turns the shaft 94of the generator 96 producing electricity.

A prototype of the present invention, as shown in FIG. 6A comprisescustom stainless steel construction of the cylindrical masses 82 and 84and frame 86. The belt drive 88 and timing gear (not shown) werepurchased from Stock Drive Products of New Hyde Park, N.Y., and thegenerator is a low RPM permanent magnet DC generator purchased fromWindstream Power, LLC of North Ferrisburgh, Vt.

Referring to FIGS. 6B-6D, the unit 80 with the cylindrical masses 82 and84 are shown.

Electricity generated by the present invention can be stored, forexample in batteries, on the ship on which it is produced or can betransmitted concurrently with its production through underwater cablesto the power grid.

Another preferred embodiment is shown in FIG. 7. In this embodiment, awheeled vehicle 100 rolls down an incline plane 102 on a track 104. Themechanical energy of the moving, vehicle is converted to electricity bydriving the shaft of an electric generator with a belt (not shown)attached to the axles or wheels of the wheeled vehicle 100.Alternatively, although it is not as efficient, the linear motion of thewheeled vehicle 100 can be converted into rotary motion to drive anelectric generator via a screw drive or other means known to thoseskilled in the art. This approach also allows the generator to be fixedto the platform 22, as opposed to the embodiments shown in FIGS. 5 and 6in which the generator is fixed to the moving mass 26. It should beclear that, in practice, one or more moving masses can drive onegenerator or one moving mass can drive one or more generators.

In still another preferred embodiment, as shown in FIG. 8, a volume of asuitable liquid 110, such as water, can be used to flow down an inclineplane 58. The flowing water 110 is diverted through a duct, pipe, orother channel 114 to a turbine 116. The flowing water drives the turbine116 which, in turn, drives a generator 118. Various means known to thoseskilled in the art, such as separate channels, can be used to insurethat the turbine is turned in the same direction by the flowing waterregardless of the direction of the flow of the water as it flows down aseries of reverse incline planes.

In still another embodiment, as shown in FIG. 9, a mass 26 can besuspended above an incline plane 58 by electromagnetic force. This willeliminate friction between the mass 26 and the incline plane 58. As themass 26 moves down the incline plane, various means described above orknown to those skilled in the art can be used to convert the mechanicalenergy of the motion into electricity.

Referring to FIG. 10, an alternative floating platform 128 of the system20 is shown in a body of water 18 without waves. The floating platform128 has a track 24 and a mass 26, a rolling energy generating mass,which follows the track 24. The floating platform 128 has a hull 28,including the top surface 30, the bottom surface 32, the leading edge34, and the trailing edge 36. The hull 28 has a buoyancy compartment 38and an energy generating portion 40. In addition, the system 20 has amooring anchor 130. It is attached to the trailing edge 36 of thefloating platform 128 by a mooring line 132. In addition, the system 20has a pair of tuning masses 134 along a tunable bar 136 located belowthe floating platform 128. The tunable bar 136 hangs below the bottomsurface 32 of the floatable platform 128 by a line 138. The tunablemasses 134 can be varied along the length of the tunable bar 136 to varythe moment of inertia of the tunable masses 134 in relation to thefloatable platform 128. In addition, the tunable masses 134 can be movedup and down relative to the bottom surface 32 of the hull.

The tunable masses 134 can be part of a keel system 140. In contrast tokeels on sailing boats where the mass is shifted outboard in the portand starboard direction that is along the beam, the toning masses 134extend in the direction of the wave that is the length of the floatingplatform.

Still referring to FIG. 10, in addition to the tunable masses 134, thesystem 20 is tunable in that the track 24 has a variable radius. Theradius of the track can be adjusted to tune the track, and, therefore,the system 20 to the waves 46, such as shown in FIG. 11A.

The system 20 has a controller 142, in one embodiment that monitorsvarious parameters including wave height and frequency. The controllerhas a computer or microprocessor and various input devices such asaccelerometers, power meters, and global coordinate monitors. Thecontroller 142 then is able to adjust items in the system 20 such as thelocation of the tunable masses 134 or the radius of the track 24 toadjust the system 20.

Referring to FIG. 11A, the floating platform 128 of FIG. 10 is shown ona wave 46 such that the leading edge 34 is near the crest 44 of the wave46. Dependent on the size of the waves as defined as the height betweenthe crest 44 and the trough 48, that the floating platform 128 is goingto be used, the radius of the track 24 can be adjusted. A differentradius of the track is shown in FIG. 12

FIG. 11B shows the floating platform 128 on a wave 46 such that thetrailing edge 36 is near the crest 44 of the wave 46 and the leadingedge 34 is near the trough 48. The constant changing of the relativeheights of the track 24 near the leading edge 34 and the trailing edge36 of the floating platform 128 by the hydraulic force of the wave isthe source of energy used to allow the mass 26, the rolling energygenerating mass, to roll along the track 24 and generate power.

The mechanism or system 20 is designed so that the natural frequency ofeach primary component of the dynamic system, the mass 26/track 24 andthe hull 28 geometry can be optimally tuned, like a musical instrument,to work, with the natural frequency of ocean waves 46 to maximize thecreation of energy, power. Referring to FIG. 12, the floating platform128 of FIG. 10 is shown with various elements tuned for a wave 46. Theradius of the track 24 has been adjusted therein varying the natural,frequency of the mass 26/track 24. The radius of the track. 24 can bechanged by adjusting the track 24 or moving the radius of the curvedportion 144 by lengthening or shortening a linear portion 146. Inaddition, the tunable masses 134 have been moved inward and the locationof the mooting line 132 that is secured to the hull 28 has been moved toadjust the natural frequency of the hull 28.

A series of tests have been done using computer modeling. The model wasdone based previous modeling done in water tank and other real testdata. The following are examples from the tests where the values havebeen scaled to real world numbers.

The hull 28 is designed for maximum stability and incorporates a“preload” feature. The mass 26, the rolling energy geometry mass, weighs1,000,000 pounds in these tests. The hull 28 has to be stable enough tosupport the mass 26 at the fore and aft positions of the hull 28, andthe leading and trailing edges 34 and 36. Stability is created bydesigning a hull 28 with enough draft to displace a volume of water thatweighs equal to or is much larger than the weight of the mass 26 plusthe total weight of the hull 28. As the ratio of volume of waterdisplaced by the hull 28 to the weight of the mass 26 increases, thestability of the hull 28, metacentric height (GM), increases. Example:if the mass 26 weighs 1,000,000 pounds and a hull 28 is designed withenough draft to displace 2,000,000 pounds of water, the tunable masses134 combined for a weigh of 2,000,000 pounds and will “Preload” thesystem with 2,000,000 pounds of force. The natural frequency of the hull28 geometry can be tuned by adjusting, vertically and horizontally, theposition of the tunable masses 134 in relation to the bottom of the hullor to the waterline.

The hull 28 is designed with a reserve buoyancy feature or freeboard. Asthe hull pitches fore and aft, the reserve buoyancy is used do addadditional buoyancy to the hull, adding to the “Preload” force.

The natural frequency of the mass 26 can be tuned by adjusting theradius of the mass 26 track, the diameter of mass 26, and the length ofmass 26.

The hull geometry is designed for a low moment of inertia. This meansthat the length of the hull should be much shorter than the beam of thehull. Think of a figure skater spinning with arms extended. As thefigure skater's arms move inward the skater's moment of inertiadecreases and the skater spins faster for any given amount of energy. Asthe hull's moment of inertia decreases, more of the stored “Preload”energy is available to the system and more power can be generated.

It is recognized that the ocean, the water 18, cannot be tuned.Therefore, the properties of the waves 46 are monitored including theperiod of the wave and the wave height. The height of the water is alsomonitored. While several items can be tuned as discussed above, in oneembodiment of a scaled model, the properties in the Table 1 were run.

Type of property Property Value Hull Geometry Length (ft) 40.0 HullGeometry Beam (ft) 100.0 Hull Geometry Depth (ft) 27.52 Hull GeometryDraft (ft) 13.76 Hull Geometry Pitch Natural 1.664 Frequency (Hz) M1 &Track Mass (M1) 5.0 Configuration Diameter (Ft) M1 & Track Friction 0.15Configuration Coefficient M1 & Track Track Radius 21.25 Configuration(Ft) M1 & Track Natural Frequency 1.310 Configuration (Hz) M2Configuration Vertical Location −40.0 from Bottom of Hull (Ft) M2Configuration Separation of 0.0 Halves (Ft) Mooring Line Length 72.07Configuration (ft) Mooring Mooring Line 6825000 Configuration Stiffness(N/m) Mooring Location of Midships Configuration Mooring on Hull

The rate of travel, speed, of the mass 26 can be tuned to work thenatural frequency of the system by adjusting its Friction Coefficient.The Friction Coefficient equals the amount of energy being taken out ofthe system.

When the ocean/wave properties have a natural frequency of 1 Hz, theaverage power generated is 1119.98 kilowatts. However if the ocean/waveproperties change such that the natural frequency is 0.8 hertz, theaverage power generated drops to 658.09 kilowatts. By tuning variouselements related to the system 20 as shown in Table 2, the average powergenerated is raised from the 658.09 kilowatts.

TABLE 2 While the hull 28 geometry has not changed, the tunable mass 134change in location adjusts the natural frequency of the hull 28. Type ofproperty Property Value Hull Geometry Length (ft) 40.0 Hull GeometryBeam (ft) 100.0 Hull Geometry Depth (ft) 27.52 Hull Geometry Draft (ft)13.76 Hull Geometry Pitch Natural 1.571 Frequency (Hz) M1 & Track Mass(M1) 5.0 Configuration Diameter (Ft) M1 & Track Friction 0.15Configuration Coefficient M1 (Mass 26) & Track Radius 15.56 TrackConfiguration (Ft) M1 (Mass 26) & Natural Frequency 1.571 TrackConfiguration (Hz) M2 (Tunable Masses Vertical Location −40.0 134)Configuration from Bottom of Hull (Ft) M2 (Tunable Masses Separation of18.0 134) Configuration Halves (Ft) Mooring Line Length 72.07Configuration (ft) Mooring Mooring Line 6825000 Configuration Stiffness(N/m) Mooring Location of Midships Configuration Mooring on Hull

By tuning both the track and the hull to change their natural frequencyfrom 1.664 hertz to 1.571 hertz, the system 20 is better tuned to theocean. The system 20 is tuned by the track radius being changed. Thetrack radius is changed by either flexing the track or by moving the twocurved portions further apart or closer together; FIG. 12 shows thecurved portions separated by a linear portion. In changing the trackradius, the natural frequency of the mass and the track changes. Inaddition, by moving the tunable masses 134 locations, the hull's naturalfrequency is changed without changing the size of the hull.

While not changed from the first run to second run shown above, themooring system 131 can be used to tune the natural frequency of the mass26/track 24/hull 28 geometry by adjusting the position that the mooringline 132 is attached to the hull 28, by adjusting the length of themooring line 132, and by adjusting the properties and material fromwhich the mooring line 132 is made. The mooring system 131 creates areciprocating motion of the hull 28 in relationship to the anchorlocation, which can be used to tune the natural frequency of the system20 for the purpose of maximizing energy output of the system 20.

In addition to changing the property of the hull and the track, therolling properties of the mass can be tuned further by having a lockingmechanism related to the movement of the mass 26.

TABLE 3 Locking Parameters Property Value Lock Angle 5 Lock Force 5 RVLimit (m/sec) 0.2 Pitch Rate Limit 0.5

The mass 26 can incorporate a “Brake/Lock” feature that can be used tostop the mass 26 or hold the mass 26 stationary at a fixed position oncethe mass 26 has stopped.

Value - Value - Type of property Property Run 3 Run 60 Hull GeometryLength (ft) 40.0 40.0 Hull Geometry Beam (ft) 100.0 100.0 Hull GeometryDepth (ft) 27.52 27.52 Hull Geometry Draft (ft) 13.76 13.76 HullGeometry Pitch Natural 1.664 1.571 Frequency (Hz) M1 & Track Mass (M1)5.0 5.0 Configuration Diameter (Ft) M1 & Track Friction 0.05 0.15Configuration Coefficient M1 & Track Track Radius 42.5 15.56Configuration (Ft) M1 & Track Natural Frequency .897 1.571 Configuration(Hz) M2 Configuration Vertical Location −40.0 −40.0 from Bottom of Hull(Ft) M2 Configuration Separation of 0.0 18.0 Halves (Ft) Mooring LineLength 72.07 72.07 Configuration (ft) Mooring Mooring Line 31408006825000 Configuration Stiffness Mooring Location of Stern MidshipsConfiguration Mooring on Hull Locking Parameters Locking Angle 0 14Locking Parameters Locking Force 0 5 Locking Parameters RV Limit 0 0Locking Parameters Pitch Rate Limit 0 0 Performance Avg. Power 199.941302.01 Summary Generated (KW)

Table 4 shows two different runs. The varying of the tunable parameterslisted in Table 4 shows that the average power generated can beincreased by factors such as 5 for the same wave state.

It is important that the energy developed by the rolling mass 26 beconverted to electrical power without mechanical losses, maximizing theenergy output of the system. Because the mass 26, the rolling energygenerating mass is rolling, there is a rotary motion that should beharnessed to the rotary motion of a generator. In a rotary to rotarysystem, there are minimal energy losses due to gearing. In a rotary tolinear system, such as a ball screw where linear motion is beingconverted to rotary motion (like wind being converted to the rotarymotion of a propeller) the energy losses are substantial, 40% to 60%losses.

Referring to FIG. 13, a graph shows the natural frequency of one runwhere the rolling mass 26 and the track 24 has a natural frequency of1.57 hertz. The hull 28 geometry likewise has a natural frequency of1.57 hertz. As indicated above, the hull 28 frequency is affected byseveral factors including the mooring system including the mooring line132 and the position it is secured to the hull 28. In addition thetunable masses' 134 location affects the natural frequency of the hull128. For an ocean having waves that have a natural, frequency of 0.8hertz, average power generated is: 1,302 KW (1.3 MW). In this run, themass 26 had the locking mechanism described above actuated.

This mechanism or system 20 has two-degrees of freedom of motion. Thehull 28 actuates independently and its pitch motion creates one-degreeof freedom of motion, and the mass 26, the rolling energy generatingmass, which rolls on the track 24 attached to the hull 28 of thefloating platform 22 or 128, actuates independently in the same axis asthe pitch of the hull 28 creating a dynamic second degree of freedom ofmotion. Unlike a traditional one-degree of freedom motor/generator, suchas a conventional piston/cylinder in which power is generated andremoved from the motor via the piston, in a two-degree of freedommotor/generator power is generated and removed from the motor via thedynamic second degree of freedom element, the rolling mass, M1 (Power=M1divided by 550 ft/pounds per second).

The shape of the ocean wave, the wave's period and height, are whatactuate the dynamic, two-degree of freedom, Mechanism/System. TheNatural Frequency of the wave is tuned by the forces of nature. Theocean depth, affects the shape of the wave, how steep it is. As wavesapproach the shore, they become steeper, which changes the naturalfrequency of the wave. A high frequency, short-wave-length wave hasappreciable power even though its amplitude or wave height is relativelysmall. The rate of energy is proportional to the wave's speed. Thenatural frequency of the mass 26/track 24/hull 28 including the mooringsystem 132 of the system 20 can be tuned to work with the naturalfrequency of the wave in deep or shallow water.

While other ratios may work, it has been found that matching the mass26/track 24 and the hull frequency 28 to each other and having thosefrequencies be in the range of approximately 1.6 to 2 greater than thenatural frequency of the ocean results in maximum power generated.

Referring to FIG. 14, a perspective view of the unit 80 with the mass 26in the form of the mass 80 and the mass 82 is shown on the track 24. Thetrack 24 has a pair of curved portions 144 and interposed linear portion146. The unit 80 has the electrical generator 96.

It has been recognized that the hull 28, such as shown in FIG. 12,should be lightweight, and the mass 26 (M1) the rolling mass, should beheavy. The mass 26 is the mass that creates high power density energy.The hull 28 is basically a support platform for the mass 26/track 24 anda mechanism to create displacement, buoyancy force. The tunable mass 134(M2), the “preload” weight, creates stability for the hull 28 by pullingthe draft of the hull 28 down into the water, creating displacement,which produces a buoyancy force.

While various parameters have been tuned in the runs described, it isrecognized that other items listed in the tables can be tuned. Inaddition, the mass or weight of the tunable masses 134, the hull 28 andthe mass 26 could be varied. The varying of each could vary by switchingout components or by adding or removing ballast. The geometry of thehull 28 could also be varied. The length of the hull influences themoment of the inertia. As further indicated below, the mooringarrangement can be tuned. The diameter and the length of the mass 6 alsocould be varied to tune the system 20.

It is recognized that additional parameters can be tuned. For example,the mooring line 132 while moved from the trailing edge 36 in FIG. 10 tothe midships in FIG. 12, the length or material of the mooring line 132did not change in the first two runs described. The length or materialof the mooring line 132 could influence the natural frequency of thefloating platform 22 or 128 of the system 20. The anchor or where themooring line is connected relative to the waterline also could be usedin tuning the system 20. The mooring system creates a reciprocatingmotion of the hull in relation to the fixed anchor location. As thefulcrum of the wave passes beneath the hull, the radius of the mooringline moves in an arc, creating a reciprocating motion. This is a tunableparameter. In addition, the track 24 could be further tailored to adjustthe rate of roll.

It is further recognized that a flywheel can be used to capture andstore energy from the rolling mass 26 and to drive a generating system.Because the rolling mass 26 changes direction of rotation on each sideof the wave, a simple cam system can be used to keep the flywheel and/orgenerator always rotating in the same direction. Basically, a cam wouldflip when the rolling mass 26 reverses direction at the end of eachstroke on the track 24, causing the flywheel or generator to continue torotate in the same direction even though the rolling mass 24 is changingdirection.

The above embodiment of the system 20 shows the mass sliding or rollingrelative to the hull. It is recognized that the mass can be movablymounted to the hull in alternative ways. Furthermore as evident fromabove, the hull 28 and the tuning mass 134 as seen in FIGS. 10-12 are amass. In addition, the hull 28 and the tuning mass 134 move relative tothe floor or ground plane of the ocean on which the mooring anchor 130is located. In referring to the system 20, the hull 28 and the tuningmass 134 and other components can be referred to as a first movable mass164. The mass 26 can be referred as a second movable mass 152.

Referring to FIG. 15, a perspective view of a system 150 having afloating platform 22 is shown. The floating platform 22 has a hull 28that is sized to contain two sets of swinging masses 152. The swingingmasses 152, while guided by a track 154, are pivotally carried by apendulum 156. The pendulum 156 has a truss 158 that carries a pivot rod160. The swinging masses 150 are slidably carried on a pendulum rod or apair of pendulum rod(s) 162 that oscillate as the pivot rod 160 rotatesrelate to the truss 158.

Still referring to FIG. 15, the system 150 has a plurality ofcounterbalance weights or masses 170 located below the hull 28, whichare similar to the tuning masses 134 in FIGS. 10-12. The counterbalancemasses 170 are positioned below the hull 28. Each counterbalance mass170 is carried on a counterbalance weight rod 172. The hull 28, thetruss 158, the counterbalance masses 170, and other components are allpart of the first movable mass 164.

Referring to FIG. 16, a front sectional view of the floating platform 22of the system 150 is shown. Each of the swinging masses 152, the secondmovable masses 152, can be moved up or down on the pendulum rod(s) 162by way of an adjustment mechanism 166. In the embodiment shown, theadjustment mechanism is an electric motor 168, as best seen in FIG. 17,that drives a chain fall or cable 174. The pendulum rod 162 extends fromthe pivot rod 160 to the track 158 regardless of the position of theswinging or second movable mass 152

Still referring to FIG. 16, the counterbalance mass 170 likewise can beadjusted upward or downward on the counterbalance weight rod 172 by wayof an adjustment mechanism 178. In the embodiment shown, the adjustmentmechanism 178 is an electric motor 180 that drives cable 182 connectedto the counterbalance mass 170 as best seen FIG. 17. The adjustment ofthe counterbalance mass 170 as part of the first movable mass 164 andthe adjustment of the swinging or second movable mass 152 allows thesystem 150 to be tuned to generate the maximum movement of the secondmovable mass 152 relative to the first movable mass 164.

The system 150 generates energy by extracting energy created by therelative motion between the components, therefore it is desirable tohave the second movable mass 152 moving in the same direction as thefirst movable mass 164. While the masses are moving in the samedirection there is still relative motion as is shown in FIGS. 19-19D.

Referring to FIG. 17, a side sectional view of the floating platform 22of the system 150 is shown. The swinging movable masses 152 are shownwithin their tracks 154. The second movable mass 152 can be adjustedupward or downward using the adjustment mechanism 166 including theelectric motor 168 and the chain tall or cable 174. The truss 158 of thependulum 156 carries the pivot rod 160.

In contrast to the previous embodiments, it is contemplated that theentire system 150 will be lower in the water. The nominal water line 186is shown. While the previous embodiments show the track 24 upon, whichthe mass 26 generally is above the water line, it is recognized thatdependent on the exact configuration including the amount of reservebuoyancy, the hull 28 of the floating platform 22 can be adjusted in thewater as part of tuning of the system 20 or 150. In addition, FIGS.15-17 show that the hull 28 is a double hull. Water can be pumped in andout of portions of the double hull to tune the system.

Referring to FIG. 18A, a schematic side view of the embodiment shown inFIGS. 15-17 is shown. The arrows 190 show the motion of the masses, thesecond movable mass 152, relative to the hull 28, which is part of thefirst movable mass 164. In addition, the hull 28 is pivoted by the waveaction. It is this pivoting that causes the second mass 152 to moverelative to the hull 28 and the counterbalance masses 170, which areboth part of the first movable mass 164. The adjustment of the positionsof the masses tunes the system.

The system 150 shows a braking mechanism 192 to adjust the movement ofthe swinging masses 152. The movement of the swinging masses 152 isfurther described below with respect to FIGS. 19A-19C.

Both FIGS. 18A and 8B show an arrow 194 which represents the movement ofthe counterbalance mass 170 by the adjustment mechanism 178. Stillreferring to FIG. 18B, which is a front view of the system 150, shows inaddition to an arrow 194, an arrow 196 which represents the movement ofthe second movable mass 152. In addition, the system 150 has a series offly wheels 198 that extract the rotational energy from the movement ofthe second movable mass (the swinging mass) 152 relative to the firstmovable mass 164.

Referring to FIGS. 19A-19D, schematic views of the system 150 are shownshowing the adjusting the position the second movable mass 152 relativeto the hull 28 and rest of the first movable mass. FIG. 19A shows thehull 28 on the wave 46 with the swinging mass, the second movable mass,152 located near the trough 48. The brake mechanism 192 retains theswinging mass 152.

As the hull 28 is shifted in the other direction by the wave 46, theswinging mass 152, which is held in place by the braking mechanism 192,is now on the same side as the counterbalance mass 170 as shown in FIG.19B. In addition to the braking mechanism 192, the system 150 is capableof being tuned in other ways including by adjusting the second movablemass (the swinging mass) 152 relative to the height on the pendulum rod162 using the adjustment mechanism 166 and adjusting the counterbalancemasses 170 by the adjustment mechanism 178. The retention of theswinging masses 152 by braking allows the swinging mass 152 to be on thesame side as the counterbalance mass 170, just one form of tuning.

The brake mechanism 192 is released to allow the swinging mass 152 topivot on the pendulum rod 162 relative to the pivot rod 160 such that asthe wave passes relative to the hull 28 of the system 150, and the hull28 orientation reverses, the swinging mass 152 moves to the crest 44side of the hull 28 as seen in FIG. 19C. FIG. 19D is similar to FIG. 19Bhowever, the brake mechanism 192 is shown released in FIG. 19D. It isrecognized that the brake mechanism 192 is released slightly after thetime that FIG. 19B shows in order to get to the position shown in FIG.19C.

By placing the swinging mass 152 on the same side as the counterbalancemass 170, a larger displacement can occur of the swinging mass 152relative to the track 154 and the hull 28. By having this largerdisplacement, greater energy can be extracted from the system.

In one embodiment, the hull 28 has a length of forty feet. The width,the portion that is generally parallel, the crest of the wave, is onehundred feet.

Referring to FIG. 20, an alternative embodiment of the system 200 isshown. The system 200 has a hull 202 which is pivotally mounted to apair of pillars 204 embedded into the ocean floor 206 and a base 208.The hull 202 oscillates, similar to that in the previous embodiment, asthe waves 46 passes by. The hull 202 pivots relative to a pair of pivotpoints 210 on the pillars 204. The pivot points 210 are capable ofmoving up and down the pillars 204 in an embodiment to allow forcompensation in variations in the average height of the water.

The hull 202 is sized to contain a set of swinging masses 214. Theswinging mass 214 is pivotably carried by a pendulum 216. The pendulum216 has a suspension rod 218 that carries a pivot rod 220. Similar tothe previous embodiment, the swinging mass 214 is capable of moving upand down, on the suspension rod 218 of the pendulum 216 for tuning.

The suspension rod 218 is carried by a swing mass brace 224. The brace224 is carried by an adjustable base 226 which is adjustable relative tothe hull 202 of the system 20. The adjustable base 226 is carried by abase suspension rod 228 that extends to the pivot point 210. The base226 can be moved vertically relative to the keel of the hull 202.

Still referring to FIG. 20, the system 200 has a plurality ofcounterbalance weights or masses 230 located below the hull 202, whichis similar to the previous embodiment. Each counterbalance mass 230 iscarried on a counterbalance weight rod 232. The counterbalance weightrods 232 extends to the adjustable base 226. The hull 202, theadjustable base 226, the counterbalance masses 230, and other componentsare all part of the first movable mass. FIG. 21 is a side view of asimilar embodiment.

As indicated by the arrows, components can be adjusted relative to eachother to tune the system. For example, the base 226 can be adjustedrelative to the pivot point 210.

Referring to FIG. 22, a perspective view of an alternative system 240with a floating platform 22 is shown. Similar to FIG. 15, the floatingplatform 22 has a hull 28 that is sized to contain two sets of swingingmasses 152. The swinging masses 152, while guided by a track or rail154, are pivotally carried by a pendulum 156. The pendulum 156 has atruss 158 that carries the pivot rod 160. The swinging masses 152 areslidably carried on a pendulum rod or a pair of pendulum rods 162 thatoscillates as the pivot rod 160 rotates relative to the truss 158. Theposition of the swinging mass 152 on the pendulum rod(s) 162 is adjustedor moved to tune the natural frequency of the second movable mass(swinging mass) 152.

Still referring to FIG. 22, the system 240 has a plurality ofcounterbalance weights or masses 170 located below the hull 28, whichare similar to the tuning masses 134 in FIGS. 10-12. The counterbalancemasses 170 are positioned below the hull 28. Each counterbalance mass170 is carried on a counterbalance weight rod 172. The hull 28, thetruss 158, the counterbalance masses 170, and other components are allpart of the first movable mass 164. The position of the counterbalancemass 170 on the counterbalance weight rod 172 is moved to tune thenatural frequency of the first movable mass 164. While thecounterbalance masses 170 are shown movable only vertically in thisembodiment, it is recognized that the tuning can take different formssuch as shown in FIG. 10 or supplemented with active tuning such asshown in FIG. 27. The movement of the counterbalance masses 170 is justone method of tuning of the natural frequency of the first movable mass164.

In contrast to the embodiment shown in FIG. 15, the system 240 in FIG.22 does not use a flywheel to gather the energy. In contrast, as seen inFIG. 23A, the end of the pendulum rod 162 is a guide 244 which movesalong the track or rail 154. The guide 244 has a magnet 246 or series ofcoils to create a magnetic field or electromagnetic field, as best seenin FIG. 23B. The track or rail 154 has individual stator segments 248.The magnetic field, generated by the guide 244, cuts through the statorsegments 248, which results in each stator segment 248 generating acurrent.

Referring to FIG. 23B, an enlarged view of the guide 244 and the track154 is shown. The track or rail 154 has a plurality of wires 252 thatdefine the stator 248. The guide 244 has a series of poles 254,including both North and South Poles, which create a magnetic field. Asthe guide 244 moves, the magnetic field moves relative to the wires 252.In contrast to typical generators where the wire 252 moves relative tothe magnetic field, the magnet moves relative to the wires. The currentthat flows through the wires 252 of the stators 248 is discussed infurther detail with respect to FIGS. 28 and 29.

Referring to FIG. 24, a front sectional view of the floating platform 22of the system 240 of FIG. 22 is shown. FIG. 25 shows a top view of thefloating platform 22. In that the position of the mass, the swingingmass 152, is adjusted to tune the system 240, in one embodiment, thepole pieces are located in the guide 244 below the swinging mass 152, asseen in FIGS. 23A & 23B.

In addition to gathering energy from the current that flows through thewires 252 of the stator 248, as seen in FIG. 23B, the system 240 can useother devices to convert the kinetic energy of the pendulum 160 and theswinging mass 152. In FIGS. 24 and 25, the system 240 has a series offlywheels 198 that extract the rotational energy from the movement ofthe second movable mass (the swinging mass) 152 relative to the firstmovable mass 164.

As indicated above, there is a relationship between the potential energyor power that can be pulled from the system and mass of the movingobject. As indicated above as an example, 100,000 ft. lb. of force persecond created by a mass moving down an incline plane equals 135,600watts of electricity. In addition, as energy is pulled from the system,the system will slow the movement of the movable mass relative to therest of the system. Therefore even in the system 240 where the energy isextracted by the stators, it is desirable to have the swinging masses152 have a sufficient weight since mass is a major component indetermining force.

In that the system has two degrees of freedom, that of the movement ofthe floating platform, the movable mass 164, including all theassociated components relative to the waves and the second degree offreedom related to the movement of the second movable mass (the swingingmass) 152 relative to the first movable mass 164, it is desirable totune the various elements. It is desirous to have sufficient weight ormass in both the second movable mass 152 and the first movable mass 164.Because of Archimedes's Principle, the floating platform 22, which isfloating in the water, is buoyed up by a force equal to the weight ofthe water, sea water, displaced by the floating platform. Therefore forexample in Table 3, the hull geometry described would have adisplacement of over 3.5 million pounds which can be allocated betweenthe swinging mass 152 and the component of the first movable mass 164 toimprove tuning.

Referring to FIG. 26, a graphical representation of an energy profile isshown. The relative velocity of the swinging mass 152 relative to thefirst movable mass 164 (i.e. the hull 28 and other items) is shown.There are several factors that influence the shape of the graphincluding the frequency of the wave, the natural frequency of the firstmovable mass 164, and the natural frequency of the swinging mass 152. Inaddition, the system uses electric braking or regenerative braking toassist in tuning the movement of the swinging mass 152 relative to thefirst movable mass 164 and also for extracting energy from the system.

In theory, the line represents the available braking power or energyfrom the kinetic energy of the swinging mass 152. The braking power isthe amount of energy that can be pulled from the system either throughthe flywheels 198 or the stators 248. While the graph in FIG. 26 isshown with the braking power varying from zero (0) to over 8,000,000watts, it is recognized that the amount of power is dependent on severalfactors including the state of the waves, the tuning, and size of themasses. The better tuned and the better controlled extraction of thepower from the system will result in a wave that more closely resemblesa more uniform sinusoidal wave. One benefit in a more uniform wave isthat the power extracted is easier to manage. It is also recognized thatthe stators 248, as seen in FIGS. 23A and 23B, could be used to impartbraking into the system to tune the movement of the swinging mass 152.

Referring to FIG. 27, a perspective view of a broken out section of asystem 260 with an alternative floating platform 262 with an activeballast system 264 is shown. Similar to FIG. 22, the floating platform262 has a hull 28 that is sized to contain a plurality of swingingmasses 152. The swinging masses 152, while guided by a track 154, arepivotally carried by a pendulum 156. The pendulum 156 has a truss 158that carries the pivot rod 160. The swinging masses 152 are slidablycarried on a pendulum rod or a pair of pendulum rods 162 that oscillatesas the pivot rod 160 rotates relative to the truss 158.

Still referring to FIG. 27, the system 260 has a plurality ofcounterbalance weights or masses 170 located below the hull 28, whichare similar to the tuning masses 134 in FIGS. 10-12. The counterbalancemasses 170 are positioned below the hull 28. Each counterbalance mass170 is carried on a counterbalance weight rod 172. The hull 28, thetruss 158, the counterbalance masses 170, and other components are allpart of the first movable mass 164.

The system 260 in addition has a ballast portion 266 that is a portionof the hull 28. The ballast portion 266 has a plurality of ballast tanks268 that are connected together. The flow of the ballast 270, a liquidsuch as sea water, from ballast tank 268 to ballast tank 268 iscontrolled by a plurality of valves 272 and/or pumps 274. The ballast270 is moved from one ballast tank 268 to another ballast tank 268 toassist in tuning of the system 260.

Referring to FIG. 28, a schematic of a control system 278 is shown. Thecontrol system 278 has a controller 142 that has a computer ormicroprocessor that coordinates the series of actions in the system(150, 200, 240, and 270) and monitors effects of actions. The controller142 can receive input from, various items and locations. Such inputs 280can include a human input/output interface 282, sensors 284 such asaccelerometers 286 that measure the frequency of movement of components,position indicators 288 for indicating the position, of items such asthe vertical height of the swinging mass 152 on pendulum rod 162. Othersensors could include power meters and global coordinate monitors.

The controller 142, based on the parameters that are given, has twodifferent functions that of tuning the system as represented by block330 and that of controlling the energy extraction from the system asrepresented by block 332. Certain functions, such as controlling theelectric braking 340, can be used both for tuning the system 330 and forenergy extraction 332. The system 278 can tune based on inputs andtables of data.

Referring to FIG. 29, a side sectional view of an alternative floatingplatform 22 of a system 290 is shown. The floating platform 22 has ahull 28 that is sized to contain two sets of swinging masses 152. Theswinging masses 152, while guided by a track 154, are pivotally carriedby a pendulum 156. The pendulum 156 has a truss 158 that carries thepivot rod 160. The swinging masses 152 are slidably carried on apendulum rod or a pair of pendulum rods 162 that oscillates as the pivotrod 160 rotates relative to the truss 158.

Still referring to FIG. 29, the system 290 has a plurality ofcounterbalance weights or masses 170 located below the hull 28. Eachcounterbalance mass 170 is carried on a counterbalance weight rod 172.The hull 28, the truss 158, the counterbalance masses 170, and othercomponents are all part of the first movable mass 164.

Similar to the embodiment shown in FIGS. 22-23B, the end of the pendulumrod 162 is a guide 244 which moves along the track 154. Below theswinging mass 152, there is a magnet 294 or series of coils to create amagnetic field or electromagnetic field. In contrast to previousembodiments where the track or rail 154 has individual stator segments248, the system 290 has a continuous stator 296 extending between therails 154 as best seen in FIG. 30. The spacing between the magnet 294and the stator 296 is maintained at a constant distance, regardless ofthe height of the swinging mass 152 on the pendulum rods 162 for tuning.The magnetic field, generated by the magnets 294 in the swinging mass152, cuts through the stator segments 296, which results in each statorsegment 296 generating a current.

Referring to FIG. 31, a side sectional view of an alternative floatingplatform 300 of an alternative system 302 is shown. The floatingplatform 300 is shown with a semicircular shape. A mass 304 is heldabove the surface 306 of the platform 300 by a pendulum 308 which allowsmovement in more than two directions. In a preferred embodiment thependulum 308 allows motion in 360 degrees such that the mass 304 maymove in any direction based on the movement of the waves. In anembodiment, the pendulum rod 308 has a magnetic bearing mount 314 sothat there is minimal wear on the interface. At the end of the pendulum308, the system 302 has a series of coils 310 which are separate fromthe mass 304. The series of coils 310 moves relative to the hull 28 ofthe system 302.

Still referring to FIG. 31, the system 302 has a plurality ofcounterbalance weights or masses 170 located below the hull 28, which issimilar to the tuning masses discussed above. The hull 28, the truss158, the counterbalance masses 170, and other components are all part ofthe first movable mass 164.

Referring to FIG. 32, which is a top view of the floating platform 300,the hull 28 has a series of magnetic pole pieces 312. As the series ofcoils, the stator, 310 passes over the magnetic pole pieces 312 itinduces a current flow in the stator 310. Similar to the previousembodiments, the energy is collected.

While FIGS. 31 and 32 show the magnetic pole pieces 312 on the surface306 of the platform 300, the pole pieces could be located at the end ofpendulum 308 and the stator 310 located on the surface 306. In additionas indicated above, the magnetic pole pieces 312 can be either magnetsor a series of coils to create a magnetic field or an electromagneticfield.

While the hull 28 of the floating platform 300 is shown having asemicircular shape, the hull 28 could have a round platform with a flatbottom or shaped bottom. If is desired to have a hull that is omnidirectional in design.

Referring to FIG. 33, a sectional view of an alternative embodiment ofan energy generating system 350 is shown. The system 350 has a mass 26that moves along a track 24 like that shown in FIGS. 10-13. The mass 26has a guide 354 that rides along a rail 356 of the track 24. Underlyingthe mass 26 is a magnet 246 or series of coils to create a magneticfield or electromagnetic field. Interposed between the rails 356 of thetrack, there is a stator 296 similar to the embodiment shown in FIGS. 29and 30. One of the methods of tuning that was described with respect tothe embodiment in FIGS. 10-13 was a track 24 of a variable radius thatcan be adjusted. The system 350 could have a similar adjustment systemwherein the stator 296 would move as the track adjusted so the magnet246 and the stator 296 would be spaced consistently as the mass 26 movedand as the track 24 adjusted.

While the principles of the invention have been described herein, it isto be understood by those skilled in the art that this description ismade only by way of example and not as a limitation as to the scope ofthe invention. Other embodiments are contemplated within the scope ofthe present invention in addition to the exemplary embodiments shown anddescribed herein. Modifications and substitutions by one of ordinaryskill in the art are considered to be within the scope of the presentinvention.

As indicated above, the first movable mass 164 includes the double-hull28 in the embodiment shown in FIGS. 15-19D. It is recognized that thedouble hull configuration can be used in both the rolling/sliding massor swinging mass configurations. The double hull construction hasmultiple purposes or benefits including as part of tuning, of the systemas indicated above. This tuning can be used in conjunction with orrather than the suspended mass/keel arrangement as discussed above. Itis also recognized that water can be pumped into the double-hull inorder to create a submersible or semi-submersible platform for hurricaneand weather avoidance.

It is recognized that the design shape of the keel or hanging mass orother adjustable metal plates attached to the platform can be used to“tune” the platform. These elements of the platform can also be used tocreate a “rudder” effect to help stabilize the direction of the platformas waves pass by it. It is also recognized that the design shape of theplatform can be used to “tune” the system.

Reserve Buoyancy is the part of the platform or hull that is above thewater surface and is watertight, so that the system will increasebuoyancy if the hull sinks deeper into the water. It is recognized thatthe addition of reserve buoyancy can also be accomplished by addingpontoons to the upper edges or top of the platform. As the platformshifts and inclines because of the waves, the pontoon either makescontact with the water or has a larger portion submerged under the waterto create more buoyancy. If there is a pontoon on each side, theplatform will increase buoyancy as the hull oscillates to the two endpositions.

It is recognized that the braking, system or braking mechanism 192 canbe a “generative” braking system used to “tune” the second movable massby control ling its speed and also used to generate electricity.

It is recognized that while embodiments have either shown rolling massesor swinging masses, that a system can have a hybrid that combines bothswinging and rolling into one system.

It is recognized that other systems use water to generate energy, andthe only way that more energy is produced is by increasing the surfacearea of the energy device. If more power is desired from a hydroapplication, the surface area of the turbine blades is increased. In theinstant invention, the surface area or footprint of the huh that thehydraulic force of the ocean, the tides of the water, acts upon canremain the same, not increase, while the weight and energy output of thesecond movable mass increases relative to the displacement of the hullbecause of Archimedes' Principle. Archimedes' Principle states that abody, such as the hull, immersed in a fluid, such as the water, isbuoyed up by a force equal to the weight of the displaced fluid.Therefore, the increase in the weight of the second mass will result inmore displacement but not an increased surface area.

By increasing the displacement of the first movable mass withoutincreasing the surface area of the first movable mass, weight can beadded to the second movable mass increasing the power density and energyproduced by the system. The system cam produce an extraordinary amountof energy within a small footprint. The power density, the ratio of theamount of energy generated per square foot, of this system is comparableto that of a coal fired power plant or nuclear power plant. This conceptworks independent of how the second movable mass is configured. It canbe a rolling/sliding mass or a swinging mass.

It is not the relationship of the weight of the second mass relative tothe first mass that is important. It is that the weight of the secondmovable mass can be increased to provide more kinetic energy in thesystem without increasing the footprint, surface area, of the firstmovable mass, by increasing the displacement of the first moving mass.

In addition to electrical energy generated by the system 20 beingtransferred to shore via an underwater cable, electrical energy createdby the system 20 can be used to manufacture a fuel such as hydrogen,which can be liquefied and transferred to shore via an underwaterpipeline or a cargo ship. Submarines have been using this technology fora very long time. Electricity is used to separate hydrogen and oxygenfrom seawater. In a submarine, oxygen is used so that crewmembers canbreathe, and the hydrogen is pumped back into the sea.

Each ocean energy system 20 is a modular vessel or floating platform.Each vessel will be registered as a ship. Each modular vessel can beattached to an array of other modular vessels to create an energy farm,so to speak, of modular vessels. An array of modular vessels would havean independent energy platform housing an electrical power stationand/or a system to produce a fuel such as hydrogen.

It is recognized that electricity generated by the system can be used toconvert seawater into hydrogen gas. This can be done onboard or on anearby floating platform. The electricity generated by the system can beused to produce any fuel. The electricity can be used to desalinateseawater.

It is recognized that instead of converting the energy into electricitythrough a generator and an inverter of the flywheel, the kinetic energyfrom the rotating pivot rod can be used to operate a pump thatpressurizes a hydraulic accumulator. In that the rotation of the pivotrod is oscillation and is converted to a single direction that may notbe constant, the pumping may not be constant, but the hydraulicaccumulator stores the unregulated energy. The pressure from thehydraulic accumulator then regulates this energy with a valve and usesthis regulated energy to operate a hydraulic motor at a fixed RPM thatdrives a generator to produce AC at a regulated voltage and frequencyfor one's house or grid tie-in. The accumulator acts both as an energystorage and regulating device. The regulating valve would shut off,turning off the generator, whenever pressure in the accumulator dropsbelow a set-point, and the energy creating device would then rechargethe accumulator.

It is recognized alternatively that an electromechanically controlledvariable displacement hydraulic pump can be used to regulate a constantflow to a generator. The frequency of the electricity generated isregulated. The voltage is increased or decreased by increasing ordecreasing the pressure (pounds per square inches (PSI)) driving thegenerator as motion of the second mass increases or decreases. Hydraulicgenerator systems such as marketed by Bosch Rexroth can be integratedinto the system.

What is claimed is:
 1. A system for generating energy, the systemcomprising: a first mass configured to pitch at a first naturalfrequency due to hydraulic forces of waves on said first mass; a secondmass supported within said first mass, said second mass configured tomove about a pivot point relative to said first mass at a second naturalfrequency to convert potential energy of said second mass into kineticenergy of said second mass, wherein said potential energy depends on anangular position of said second mass relative to said pivot point and isbased on a natural frequency of said second mass and a natural frequencyof said first mass; a generative brake to generate electricity based onsaid kinetic energy of said second mass; a controller, said controllerto receive inputs related to a natural frequency of said waves, saidnatural frequency of said first mass, and said natural frequency of saidsecond mass, said controller configured to tune one or more parametersof said system to adjust said natural frequency of said first mass basedon, at least in part, said natural frequency of said waves and to adjustsaid natural frequency of said second mass based on, at least in part,said natural frequency of said first mass to control said potentialenergy of said second mass.
 2. The system of claim 1, wherein said oneor more parameters of said system comprises the speed of said secondmass.
 3. The system of claim 1, wherein said one or more parameters ofsaid system comprises a ballast of said first mass.
 4. The system ofclaim 1, wherein said one or more parameters of said system comprises adraft of said first mass.
 5. The system of claim 1, wherein said one ormore parameters of said system comprises a path of said second mass. 6.The system of claim 1, wherein said one or more parameters of saidsystem comprises an inertia of said first mass.
 7. The system of claim1, wherein said generative brake is configured to adjust a position ofthe second mass relative to the first mass for tuning the system andincreasing the energy generated.
 8. The system of claim 1, wherein saidgenerative brake comprises at least one magnet and at least one coil,wherein movement of said at least one magnet relative to said at leastone coil creates a flow of current in said at least one coil.
 9. Thesystem of claim 1, wherein said system comprise one or more inputdevices configured to provide inputs to said controller related to saidnatural frequency of said waves, said natural frequency of said firstmass, and said natural frequency of said second mass.
 10. The system ofclaim 9, wherein said one or more input devices are selected from thegroup consisting of accelerometers, power meters, and global coordinatemonitors.
 11. A method for producing energy through the action of wavescomprising: creating potential energy resulting from a movement of afirst mass about a pivot point relative to a floating platform, whereinsaid potential energy depends on an angular position of said first massrelative to said pivot point and is based on a first natural frequencyof said first mass and a second natural frequency of said floatingplatform; converting said potential energy into kinetic energy as saidfirst mass swings at said first natural frequency relative to saidfloating platform pitching at said second natural frequency; convertingsaid kinetic energy into electrical energy; tuning said first naturalfrequency of said first mass based on, at least in part, said secondnatural frequency of said floating platform to control said potentialenergy of said first mass; and tuning said second natural frequency ofsaid floating platform based on, at least in part, a natural frequencyof said waves.
 12. The method of claim 11, wherein tuning said firstnatural frequency of said first mass comprises tuning a speed of saidfirst mass relative to said floating platform.
 13. The method of claim11, wherein tuning said first natural frequency of said first masscomprises actively tuning a path of said first mass relative to saidfloating platform.
 14. The method of claim 11, wherein tuning saidsecond natural frequency of said floating platform comprises activelytuning an amount of ballast of said floating platform.
 15. The method ofclaim 11, wherein tuning said second natural frequency of said floatingplatform comprises actively tuning a draft of said floating platform.16. The method of claim 11, wherein tuning said second natural frequencyof said floating platform comprises actively tuning an inertia of saidfloating platform.
 17. The method of claim 11, wherein converting saidkinetic energy into electrical energy comprises generating electricityusing a generative brake.
 18. The method of claim 17, wherein saidgenerative brake comprises at least one magnet and at least one coil,wherein said movement of said first mass about said pivot point resultsin said at least one magnet moving relative to said at least one coil tocreate a flow of current in said at least one coil.
 19. A system forgenerating energy, the system comprising: a first mass that pitches at afirst natural frequency due to hydraulic forces of waves on said firstmass; a second mass supported within said first mass, said second massmoving about a pivot point relative to said first mass at a secondnatural frequency to convert potential energy of said second mass intokinetic energy of said second mass, wherein said potential energydepends on an angular position of said second mass relative to saidpivot point and is based on the first natural frequency of said firstmass and the second natural frequency of said second mass; means forgenerating electricity based on movement of said second mass; means foractively tuning one or more parameters of said system to adjust saidfirst natural frequency of said first mass based on, at least in part, anatural frequency of said waves and to adjust said second naturalfrequency of said second mass based on, at least in part, said firstnatural frequency of said first mass to control said potential energy ofsaid second mass.
 20. The system of claim 19, wherein said means forgenerating electricity comprises a generative brake.
 21. The system ofclaim 20, wherein said means for actively tuning comprises a controller.22. The system of claim 21, wherein said means for actively tuningfurther comprises at least one input device configured to generateinputs to said controller related to said waves, said first mass, andsaid second mass.
 23. The system of claim 21, wherein said one or moreinput devices are selected from the group consisting of accelerometers,power meters, and global coordinate monitors.
 24. The system of claim19, wherein said means for actively tuning further is configured toadjust a rate of travel of said second mass using a generative brake toactively tune said second natural frequency of said second mass basedon, at least in part, said first natural frequency of said first mass.25. The system of claim 19, wherein said first mass further comprises aballast, and wherein said means for actively tuning further isconfigured to adjust said ballast of said first mass to actively tunesaid first natural frequency of said first mass based on, at least inpart, said natural frequency of said waves.
 26. A system for generatingenergy, the system comprising: a first mass that pitches at a firstnatural frequency due to hydraulic forces of waves on said first mass; asecond mass supported within said first mass, said second mass movingabout a pivot point relative to said first movable mass at a secondnatural frequency to convert potential energy of said second mass intokinetic energy of said second mass, wherein said potential energydepends on an angular position of said second mass relative to saidpivot point and is based on said first natural frequency of said firstmass and a second natural frequency of said second mass; a generator toconvert said kinetic energy of said second mass to electrical energy; acontroller, said controller to receive inputs from one or more sensorsrelated to a natural frequency of said waves, said first naturalfrequency of said first mass, and said second natural frequency of saidsecond mass, said controller generating one or more signals configuredto actively tune said first natural frequency of said first mass basedon, at least in part, said natural frequency of said waves and toactively tune said second natural frequency of said second mass basedon, at least in part, said first natural frequency of said first mass tocontrol said potential energy of said second mass.
 27. The system ofclaim 26, wherein said generator comprises a generative brake.
 28. Asystem for generating energy, the system comprising: a platform thatpitches at a first natural frequency due to hydraulic forces of waves onsaid platform, said platform comprising a ballast; a first and a secondpendulum supported within said platform, said first and said secondpendulum each swinging about a first and a second pivot point relativeto said platform, respectively, at a second natural frequency to convertpotential energy of said first and said second pendulum into kineticenergy of said first and said second pendulum, wherein said potentialenergy of said first and said second pendulum depends on an angularposition of said first and said second pendulum mass relative to saidfirst and said second pivot point and is based on said first naturalfrequency of said platform and said second natural frequency of saidfirst and said second pendulum; a generator to convert said kinetic ofsaid first and said second pendulum to electrical energy; a controller,said controller to receive inputs from one or more sensors related to anatural frequency of said waves, said first natural frequency of saidplatform, and said second natural frequency of said first and saidsecond pendulum, said controller configured to adjust said ballast ofsaid platform to actively tune said first natural frequency of saidplatform based on, at least in part, said natural frequency of saidwaves, and wherein said controller is configured to adjust a rate oftravel of said first and said second pendulum using said generator toactively tune said second natural frequency of said first and saidsecond pendulum based on, at least in part, said first natural frequencyof said platform to control said potential energy of said first and saidsecond pendulum; wherein said generator comprises at least onegenerative brake.
 29. The system of claim 28, wherein adjusting saidballast of said platform adjusts a draft of said platform.
 30. Thesystem of claim 29, wherein adjusting said draft of said platformadjusts an inertia of said platform.
 31. The system of claim 28, whereinadjusting said rate of travel of said first and said second pendulumadjusts said kinetic energy of said first and said second pendulum andadjusts an amount of electrical energy generated by said generator.